Educational Leadership (EdD)

Grow your career with a doctorate in Educational Leadership

The Educational Leadership doctoral program examines the human, organizational, political, social and technical systems of educational institutions. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) you’ll be committed to socially-just leadership and the transformation of education at the local, regional and national levels.

All in-person classes meet in the evenings on the Lincoln Park Campus. The program can be completed in just over three years.

In our doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) program, you’ll have the option to pursue one of three concentrations:

General Concentration
The General Concentration provides a rich knowledge base to analyze administrative practices with a focus on PK-12 education. You can attend full-time or part-time.
Global Catholic Educational Leadership (GCEL)
The GCEL concentration will prepare you to be a transformational leader at any level in Catholic educational institutions. The program focuses on issues specific to Catholic education. You’ll be challenged to expand your perspective and take action as an ally and activist for Catholic educational reform and social justice. This program is offered entirely online.
Higher Education
The Higher Education concentration focuses on the specific needs of higher education institutions. You’ll be prepared for a leadership, administrative, policy or management position at a college or university.

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Real opportunities to learn and lead

The Archdiocese of Chicago is the country’s largest private school system, and Chicago Public Schools is the nation’s fourth-largest public school district. DePaul’s proximity gives you access to professional relationships as well as research and job opportunities.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Priority deadlines for scholarships are as follows:

Fall: August 15
Winter: December 1
Spring: March 1
Summer: May 1

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, résumé, letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a writing sample.

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Required Courses

You’ll take six core courses, five research courses, an elective, five concentration courses and complete two dissertation courses. An internship is required for superintendent licensure.

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No.4

DePaul’s Educational Leadership doctoral program stands as the 4th largest in the country.

96%

of Educational Leadership graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

Expert instruction in school leadership

Associate Professor and award-winning author Andrea Kayne brings her background in both education and law to the practice of educational leadership. You’ll learn from her experiences in classes like School Law, Politics of Schooling, and Community and Consensus Building for School Improvement.

“My understanding of social justice and otherness affects virtually everything I do, and we're better for it. It gives others confidence that their leader has command of theory and practice. Be ready to evolve, learn, grow and change. DePaul is amazing at this. If you're ready to improve, you will.”

Jeff (EdD ’11)

Superintendent, Community Consolidated School District 146

Alumni Network

As a Doctor of Education, you join a community of educators in building-level administration as principals, district-level administration as curriculum directors and superintendents, and at the university level as directors of enrollment systems. Educational Leadership EdD’s are currently leaders at City Colleges of Chicago, Dominican University, Harvard CUSD #50, Steger School District 194, District 97 and Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Scholarships

Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.

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Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admissions for DePaul’s College of Education at (773) 325-4405 or edgradadmissions@depaul.edu.

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We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

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